What is Shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that involves the application of high energy acoustic pulses or sound waves that are produced by the radial shockwave therapy machine.
Although this may sound similar to therapeutic ultrasound, shockwaves are significantly higher energy and the application procedure will feel very different due to the mechanical pressure created by the transmitter head.
What are the benefits?
The greatest benefits of shockwave therapy appear to be pain reduction!
This modality is quickly becoming a popular treatment for management of chronic conditions and avoidance of surgery as there is a number of recent research studies demonstrating improvements in pain, healing, and function following a course of shockwave therapy.
Benefits include:
- Tissue regeneration
- Elimination of calcification
- Pain relief
- Muscle relaxation, reduction of trigger points
- Reversal of chronic inflammation
What conditions can be treated?
Shockwave therapy is most appropriate for chronic conditions – pain and discomfort that has persisted longer than 3 months, including:
- Tendinopathies / tendon dysfunction
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
- Calcifications – ie calcific tendinitis/tendinopathy
- Joint pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel spurs
- Tennis elbow
What does treatment involve?
As with all our treatment approaches, our physiotherapists will first determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate for you after a thorough assessment.
If shockwave therapy will be a part of our complete treatment plan, a typical course of shockwave therapy is 4-6 sessions, with each session spaced 1-2 weeks apart.
Although the evidence is suggesting effective and long lasting results following shockwave treatments, this modality will be in conjunction with our usual physiotherapy treatment plan including strength, return to play guidelines, and understanding the aggravating and easing factors of your condition – so that you can safely return to your usual activities without injury recurrence.
We look forward to helping you get out pain more rapidly!
Contact the clinic for more information or to book an appointment with us!